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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Characterization of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Using Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Published on: November 11, 2013
Conjugated dicarboxylate anodes for Li-ion batteries
1LRCS, Université de Picardie Jules Verne CNRS (UMR-6007), 33 rue Saint-Leu, 80039, Amiens, France.
New organic salts, lithium terephthalate and lithium trans-trans-muconate, offer sustainable and safer alternatives for lithium-ion battery electrodes. These bio-inspired materials demonstrate good performance and enhanced thermal stability compared to traditional carbon electrodes.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Current lithium-ion batteries rely on inorganic electrodes, posing sustainability challenges for large-scale applications.
- Eco-efficient processes and renewable organic electrode materials are crucial for future energy storage solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of novel organic salts as sustainable and high-performance negative electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.
- To evaluate the electrochemical activity, thermal stability, and potential safety benefits of these organic materials.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of lithium terephthalate (Li(2)C(8)H(4)O(4)) and lithium trans-trans-muconate (Li(2)C(6)H(4)O(4)).
- Electrochemical testing of these organic salts as negative electrodes in lithium-ion cells using polyethyleneoxide-based electrolytes.
- Assessment of thermal stability in standard carbonate electrolytes.
Main Results:
- Lithium terephthalate exhibited a reversible capacity of 300 mA h g(-1) at 0.8 V, reacting with two Li per formula unit.
- Lithium trans-trans-muconate showed a reversible capacity of 150 mA h g(-1) at 1.4 V, reacting with one Li per formula unit.
- Both materials maintained activity at 80°C and demonstrated enhanced thermal stability over carbon electrodes, indicating potential for safer battery operation.
Conclusions:
- Lithium terephthalate and lithium trans-trans-muconate are promising sustainable organic electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
- Their bio-inspired nature and abundance, coupled with improved safety features, position them as viable alternatives to conventional inorganic electrodes.
- These findings contribute to the development of eco-friendly and safer energy storage technologies.
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